<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAW, AND ACCORDINGLY,
MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHIN THE UNITED
STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH
IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE.  BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS
THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" (AS
DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT) (AN "INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR") OR (C) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND
IS ACQUIRING THIS  NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 903
OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT, WITHIN
THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO UNDER RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AS IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF SUCH TRANSFER, RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS  NOTE
EXCEPT (A) TO CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (B) TO A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT, (C) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT,
PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES TO THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING
CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
OF THIS  NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE) AND,
IF SUCH TRANSFER IS IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES OF LESS
THAN $100,000, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) TO A PERSON
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) OR (F)
PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3)
AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A
NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.  IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO ABOVE, THE HOLDER MUST
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF RELATING TO THE MANNER
OF SUCH TRANSFER AND SUBMIT THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE TRUSTEE.  IF THE PROPOSED
TRANSFEREE IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO
SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO THE TRUSTEE AND CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY
REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN
EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.  AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS

                                       1
<PAGE>

"OFFSHORE TRANSACTION", "UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANINGS
GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THE INDENTURE CONTAINS
PROVISIONS REQUIRING THE TRUSTEE TO REFUSE TO REGISTER ANY TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE
IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

FOR PURPOSES OF SECTIONS 1272, 1273 AND 1275 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF
1986, AS AMENDED, AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER, THIS SECURITY IS
BEING ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT; FOR EACH $1,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
THIS SECURITY, (1) THE ISSUE PRICE IS $871.58; (2) THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL
ISSUE DISCOUNT IS $128.42; (3) THE ISSUE DATE IS JULY 26, 2000; AND (4) THE
YIELD TO MATURITY IS 16.06% (COMPOUNDED SEMI-ANNUALLY).

                          CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

                       13.5% Subordinated Note due 2011

                                                   CUSIP:  124923AF0 $95,000,000

                                                             ISIN:  US124923AF05

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
No. 1

Issue Date:                                              July 26, 2000

Yield to maturity for period from Issue Date to          (computed without giving effect to the additional
February 15, 2011:  13.5%, compounded semi-annually      payments of interest in the event the issuer fails to
on February 15 and August 15, commencing February 15,    commence the exchange offer or cause the registration
2001,                                                    statement to be declared effective, each as described on
                                                         the reverse hereof)
</TABLE>

          CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, a Virginia corporation (the "Company,"
which term includes any successor under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value received, promises to pay to LTSE HOLDINGS CORPORATION, or its
registered assigns, the principal sum of NINETY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
($95,000,000) on February 15, 2011.

          Interest Payment Dates:  February 15 and August 15, commencing
February 15, 2001.

          Regular Record Dates:  February 1 and August 1.

          Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed
manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.


                                             CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY


                                             BY: ____________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:

                                             By: ____________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:

                   (Trustee's Certificate of Authentication)

This is one of the 13.5% Subordinated Notes due 2011 described in the within-
mentioned Indenture.

Date: July 26, 2000                          THE BANK OF NEW YORK
                                                  as Trustee


                                             By: ____________________________
                                                 Authorized Signatory

                                       3
<PAGE>

                            [REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]

                          CFW COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

                       13.5% Subordinated Note due 2011

Principal and Interest.
----------------------

          The Company will pay the principal of this Note on February 15, 2011.

          The Company promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this
Note on each Interest Payment Date, as set forth below, at the rate per annum
shown above.

          Interest will be payable semiannually (to the holders of record of the
Notes at the close of business on the February 1 or August 1 immediately
preceding the Interest Payment Date) on each Interest Payment Date, commencing
February 15, 2001.

          If a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement")
under the Securities Act with respect to resales of the Notes is not declared
effective by the Commission, on or before 365 days after the Closing Date, in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement dated July 26,
2000 between the Company and LTSE Holdings Corporation, the annual interest rate
borne by the Notes shall be increased by 0.5% from the rate shown above, payable
in cash semiannually, in arrears, on each Interest Payment Date, the Shelf
Registration Statement is declared effective.  The Holder of this Note is
entitled to the benefits of such Registration Rights Agreement.

          Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which
interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from July 26, 2000;
provided that, if there is no existing default in the payment of interest and
this Note is authenticated between a Regular Record Date referred to on the face
hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from
such Interest Payment Date.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

          The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal and premium, if
any, and interest on overdue installments of interest, to the extent lawful, at
a rate per annum that is 2% in excess of the rate otherwise payable.

Method of Payment.
-----------------

          The Company will pay interest (except defaulted interest) on the
principal amount of the Notes as provided above on each February 15 and August
15, commencing February 15, 2001 to the persons who are Holders (as reflected in
the Security Register at the close of business on the February 1 or August 1
immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date), in each case, even if the Note
is canceled on registration of transfer or registration of exchange after such
record date; provided that, with respect to the payment of principal, the
Company will make payment to the Holder that surrenders this Note to a Paying
Agent on or after February 15, 2011.

                                       4
<PAGE>

          The Company will pay principal, premium, if any, and as provided
above, interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is
legal tender for payment of public and private debts.  However, the Company may
pay principal, premium, if any, and interest by its check payable in such money.
It may mail an interest check to a Holder's registered address (as reflected in
the Security Register).  If a payment date is a date other than a Business Day
at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding
day that is a Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the intervening
period.

Paying Agent and Registrar.
--------------------------

          Initially, the Trustee will act as authenticating agent, Paying Agent
and Registrar.  The Company may change any authenticating agent, Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice.  The Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any
of them may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-Registrar.

Indenture; Limitations.
----------------------

          The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of July 26,
2000 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York, trustee
(the "Trustee").  Capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture
unless otherwise indicated.  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the
Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act.  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are
referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement of all
such terms.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, in the event of any
inconsistency between the terms of this Note and the terms of the Indenture, the
terms of the Indenture shall control.

          The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company.

          The Company may, subject to Article Four of the Indenture and
applicable law, issue additional Notes under the Indenture.

Optional Redemption.
-------------------

          The Notes are redeemable, at the Company's option, in whole or in
part, at any time or from time to time, on or after August 15, 2005 and prior to
maturity, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice mailed by
first class mail to each Holder's last address, as it appears in the Security
Register, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed in percentages of
principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date
(subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date
that is prior to the Redemption Date to receive interest due on an Interest
Payment Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing August 15 of
the years set forth below:

                              Year                     Redemption Price
                              ----                     ----------------

               2005............................              106.75%

                                       5
<PAGE>

               2006............................              104.50
               2007............................              102.25
               2008 and thereafter.............              100.00


          At any time prior to August 15, 2003, the Company may redeem up to 35%
of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the proceeds of one or more
Public Equity Offerings, at any time as a whole or from time to time in part, at
a Redemption Price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount of 113.5%,
plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date (subject to the rights
of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date that is prior to the
Redemption Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date); provided
that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally
issued on the Closing Date remains outstanding after each such redemption and
(ii) notice of such redemption shall be mailed within 60 days of the related
Public Equity Offering.

          Notes in original denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in
part.  On and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or
portions of Notes called for redemption, unless the Company defaults in the
payment of the Redemption Price.

Repurchase upon Change of Control.
---------------------------------

          Upon the occurrence of any Change of Control, each Holder shall have
the right to require the repurchase of its Notes by the Company in cash pursuant
to the offer described in the Indenture at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of purchase (the "Payment Date").

          A notice of such Change of Control will be mailed within 30 days after
any Change of Control occurs to each Holder at its last address as it appears in
the Security Register.  Notes in original denominations larger than $1,000 may
be sold to the Company in part.  On and after the Payment Date, interest ceases
to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes surrendered for purchase by the Company,
unless the Company defaults in the payment of the purchase price.

Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
---------------------------------

          The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of
$1,000 of principal amount and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.  A Holder
may register the transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by
law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Registrar need not register the transfer
or exchange of any Notes selected for redemption.  Also, it need not register
the transfer or exchange of any Notes for a period of 15 days before the day of
mailing of a notice of redemption of Notes selected for redemption.

Persons Deemed Owners.
---------------------

          A Holder shall be treated as the owner of a Note for all purposes.

                                       6
<PAGE>

Unclaimed Money.
---------------

          If money for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest
remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent will pay the
money back to the Company at its request.  After that, Holders entitled to the
money must look to the Company for payment, unless an abandoned property law
designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying
Agent with respect to such money shall cease.

Discharge Prior to Redemption or Maturity.
-----------------------------------------

          If the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government
Obligations sufficient to pay the then outstanding principal of, premium, if
any, and accrued interest on the Notes (a) to redemption or maturity, the
Company will be discharged from the Indenture and the Notes, except in certain
circumstances for certain provisions thereof, and (b) to the Stated Maturity,
the Company will be discharged from certain covenants set forth in the
Indenture.

Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
-----------------------------

          Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be
amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, and any existing default or
compliance with any provision may be waived with the consent of the Holders of
at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.  Without
notice to or the consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or
supplement the Indenture or the Notes to, among other things, cure any
ambiguity, defect or inconsistency and make any change that does not materially
and adversely affect the rights of any Holder.

Restrictive Covenants.
---------------------

          The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, among other things, to Incur additional
Indebtedness, make Restricted Payments, suffer to exist restrictions on the
ability of Restricted Subsidiaries to make certain payments to the Company,
issue Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, Guarantee Indebtedness of the
Company, engage in transactions with Affiliates, suffer to exist or incur Liens,
enter into sale-leaseback transactions, use the proceeds from Asset Sales, or
merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of its assets.  Within 45 days
after the end of each fiscal quarter (90 days after the end of the last fiscal
quarter of each year), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating whether or not the signers thereof know of any Default or
Event of Default under such restrictive covenants.

Successor Persons.
-----------------

          When a successor person or other entity assumes all the obligations of
its predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture, the predecessor person will
be released from those obligations.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Defaults and Remedies.
---------------------

          Any of the following events constitutes an "Event of Default" under
the Indenture:

default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when
the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or
otherwise;

default in the payment of interest on any Notes when the same becomes due and
payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days; provided that a
failure to make any of the first four scheduled interest payments on the Notes
in a timely manner will constitute an Event of Default with no grace or cure
period;

default in the performance or breach of the provisions of the Indenture
applicable to mergers, consolidations and transfers of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company or the failure to make or consummate an Offer to
Purchase in accordance with the Section 4.11 or Section 4.12 or the Indenture;

the Company defaults in the performance of or breaches any other covenant or
agreement of the Company in the Indenture or under the Notes (other than a
default specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) above) and such default or breach
continues for a period of 30 consecutive days after written notice by the
Trustee or the Holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes;

there occurs with respect to any issue or issues of Indebtedness of the Company
or any Significant Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $10.0
million or more in the aggregate for all such issues of all such Persons,
whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, (I) an event
of default that has caused the holder thereof to declare such Indebtedness to be
due and payable prior to its Stated Maturity and such Indebtedness has not been
discharged in full or such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled
within 30 days of such acceleration and/or (II) the failure to make a principal
payment at the final (but not any interim) fixed maturity and such defaulted
payment shall not have been made, waived or extended within 30 days of such
payment default;

any final judgment or order (not covered by insurance) for the payment of money
in excess of $10.0 million in the aggregate for all such final judgments or
orders against all such Persons (treating any deductibles, self-insurance or
retention as not so covered) shall be rendered against the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary and shall not be paid or discharged, and there shall be
any period of 30 consecutive days following entry of the final judgment or order
that causes the aggregate amount for all such final judgments or orders
outstanding and not paid or discharged against all such Persons to exceed $10.0
million during which a stay of enforcement of such final judgment or order, by
reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

a court having jurisdiction in the premises enters a decree or order for (A)
relief in respect of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary
case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
hereafter in effect, (B) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee,
custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and
assets of the Company or

                                       8
<PAGE>

any Significant Subsidiary or (C) the winding up or liquidation of the affairs
of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary and, in each case, such decree or
order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 30 consecutive days;
or

the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (A) commences a voluntary case under
any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case
under any such law, (B) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar
official of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or
substantially all of the property and assets of the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary or (C) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors.

          If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee may, and at the direction of the Holders of at least 25%
in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall, declare all
the Notes to be due and payable.  If a bankruptcy or insolvency default with
respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, the Notes automatically become
due and payable.  Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as
provided in the Indenture.  The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it
before it enforces the Indenture or the Notes.  Subject to certain limitations,
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.

                                       9
<PAGE>

                           [FORM OF TRANSFER NOTICE]

          FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned registered holder hereby sell(s),
assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

Insert Taxpayer Identification No.
----------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________

Please print or typewrite name and address including zip code of assignee

_______________________________________________________________

the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and
appointing _________________________ attorney to transfer said Note on the books
of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises.

                    [THE FOLLOWING PROVISION TO BE INCLUDED

                            ON ALL NOTES OTHER THAN

                     UNLEGENDED OFFSHORE GLOBAL NOTES AND

                      UNLEGENDED OFFSHORE PHYSICAL NOTES]

          In connection with any transfer of this Note occurring prior to the
date which is the earlier of (i) the date the Shelf Registration Statement is
declared effective or (ii) the end of the period referred to in Rule 144(k)
under the Securities Act, the undersigned confirms that without utilizing any
general solicitation or general advertising that:

                                  [Check One]

[_]  (a)  this Note is being transferred in compliance with the exemption from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 provided by Rule 144A thereunder.

                                      or
                                      --

[_]  (b)  this Note is being transferred other than in accordance with (a) above
and documents are being furnished which comply with the conditions of transfer
set forth in this Note and the Indenture.

If none of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee or other Registrar shall
not be obligated to register this Note in the name of any Person other than the
Holder hereof unless and until the conditions to any such transfer of
registration set forth herein and in Section 2.08 of the Indenture shall have
been satisfied.

Date:  __________, 2000
                                     __________________________________________
                                     NOTICE:  The signature to this assignment

                                       10
<PAGE>

                                     must correspond with the name as written
                                     upon the face of the within-mentioned
                                     instrument in every particular, without
                                     alteration or any change whatsoever.


TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (a) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

          The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this
Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole
investment discretion and that it and any such account is a "qualified
institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933 and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and
acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the
undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request
such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the
undersigned's foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 144A.

Date: ___________, 2000
                                 _______________________________________________
                                 NOTICE:  To be executed by an executive officer

                                       11
<PAGE>

                      OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

          If you wish to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.11 or 4.12 of the Indenture, check the Box: [_]

          If you wish to have a portion of this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.11 or 4.12 of the Indenture, state the amount:
$___________________.

Date:  __________, 2000

Your Signature: ________________________________________________________________
               (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this
               Note)

Signature Guarantee:____________________________________________________________

                                       12